STATE OF NEW YORK 
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER 
Proclamation

Whereas, the United State’s maritime heritage reflects the proud contributions of our distinguished armed forces operating upon the waters both in times of war and peace, and among the five branches of our Nation’s military is the U.S. Coast Guard, established 219 years ago today – on August 4, 1790 – and accordingly we take this opportunity to honor and recognize the history and legacy of the U.S. Coast Guard as this Nation’s oldest and premier maritime agency; and

Whereas, the United States Coast Guard truly has a rich and diverse history of service – from enforcing federal commerce laws during colonial times, to providing coastal and harbor defense during wartime, to its humanitarian work in more modern times and, today, the Coast Guard represents a critical element within our Nation’s entire Naval defense system and an extraordinary example of esprit de corps and professionalism as a chief source of protection for our shores, providing a shield of resistance against acts of violence upon this precious homeland; and

Whereas, we celebrate the impressive history of the U.S. Coast Guard and reflect upon its many legendary heroes and their patriotic missions, as in such a noble legacy we find great inspiration in those honorable men and women called to serve and who exemplify the finest attributes of individuals devoted to all aspects of maritime duty; and

Whereas, the U.S. Coast Guard illustrates our Nation’s proud and vital military maritime service, and it remains a critical component of our armed forces and our homeland security, as on September 11, 2001, Coast Guard units from were among the first military entities to respond to the terrorist attacks, providing security and rendering assistance to those in need, and in the aftermath of this devastating event in U.S. history, the Coast Guard was foremost among agencies slated to become a constituent of the new Department of Homeland Security, formally created on November 25, 2002; and

Whereas, having grown and expanded from its original size and scope of responsibility identified by its authorization by the first Congress which approved the construction of ten vessels to enforce tariff and trade laws to prevent smuggling and piracy, the Coast Guard’s many missions over the centuries have been vast and varied – having included protection of the public, aiding mariners in distress, defending our coastlines and coastal waters, preserving and conserving our marine environment, and safeguarding U.S. economic interests; and

Whereas, the U.S. Coast Guard has ably served this Nation in times of war and peace and, without a doubt, this organization of our Nation’s armed forces will continue to serve Americans with as much distinction as in its 219 years of prior duty, and so we join to celebrate its history of proud service with the official observance of “Coast Guard Day” on August 4th, as all New Yorkers honor the members and entire institution of the U.S. Coast Guard with a special expression of gratitude for the courage and dedication of personnel, past and present, who are a source of great pride for all Americans;

Now, Therefore, I, David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby proclaim August 4, 2009 as

COAST GUARD DAY

in the Empire State.

G i v e n under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State at Capitol in the City of Albany this thirtieth day of July in the year two thousand nine.

David A. Paterson
Governor